The Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) officially announces a multi-year partnership between SAMA and KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs (KZN EDTEA) that will see KZN become the official host province of the SAMAs for the next 3 years.

This exciting partnership takes South Africa’s flagship music awards back to Durban after eight years and the prestigious ceremony will take place at the Durban ICC on the weekend of 17 and 18 November 2023.

RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi remarks: “It’s an honour to partner with the KZN province for what will be a crucial milestone in the SAMA history as we build up to 30 years of the awards and democracy in South Africa. A lot of thought and planning has gone into ensuring #SAMA29 is a memorable one for all stakeholders involved, especially the lifetime achievers and musicians who have given their all to put out their best work and standout among the pack.”

MEC Siboniso Duma shares: “I am happy to announce that we have partnered with RiSA to host the prestigious South African Music Awards (SAMAs) for the next three years as part of our efforts to bolster the economy and tourism within the province and heighten our focus on the arts and creative industry. Hosting an event like the SAMAs enables us to position KwaZulu-Natal as a premium brand and a must-visit destination. We pride ourselves as a province with a good track record of hosting successful events, based on the mega international and domestic events that were hosted in the exceptional Zulu Kingdom.”

He adds: “The tourism sector is a key economic driver, and events of this magnitude have a positive tourism value chain. It will increase our hotel occupancy rates, restaurants will be buzzing with patrons, and car hire services and shuttles will have a flow of clients. In essence, hosting the SAMAs will have impactful economic spin-offs for the province of KwaZulu-Natal.”

The road to #SAMA29 will be the biggest SAMA build up to date, with various activations and activities that will touch a large cross section of the host province, as well as three other cities outside of KZN.

With the three key pillars of #SAMA29 revolving around music, fashion and lifestyle, the country can follow the journey of seeing South Africa’s highest music achievers honoured in a multi-dimensional way and discover various parts of the KZN province along the way.

Make sure to follow the SAMAs online for more on this exciting partnership and upcoming activities.

Connect with the SAMAs:
Instagram: @thesamas_
Twitter: @TheSAMAs
TikTok: @thesamas_
YouTube: samusicawards
Facebook: South African Music Awards
Website: www.samusicawards.co.za
Hashtags: #SAMA29

About RiSA
Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) is a trade association representing the interests of major and independent record labels of South Africa. Located in Randburg, RISA is responsible for running the annual South African Music Awards (SAMAs) and for music recording certification in South Africa. It also runs The Official South African Charts (TOSAC).

About South African Music Awards
The South African Music Awards is a premier music showcase hosted by RiSA. This annual event honours the country’s finest music talent over two days in key categories, as they battle for the South African industry’s highest honour – a statuette at the South African Music Awards. Nominees also take the stage by storm with a series of epic, never-to-be-repeated performances, as the nation watches SA’s finest talent at work.

About KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs is mandated to oversee the socio-economic transformation in the province. It, therefore, leads the policy and strategic initiatives directed at promoting development and growth in various sectors of the economy. However, to achieve its objectives, the Department has to cooperate with various stakeholders and social partners, including the private sector and civil society. National and provincial legislative, policy and strategic frameworks guide the operations of the Department.